Private José Nisperos, the first Filipino Medal of Honor recipient, displayed extraordinary bravery during a fierce engagement against Moro fighters on Basilan Island in 1911. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a gunshot wound and spear wounds, Nisperos continued to fight, firing his rifle with one hand to protect his squad from annihilation.
His heroic actions, which included propping himself up to shoot and helping to repel a much larger force of attackers, ultimately led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor to him and his comrades. This story not only highlights Nisperos’ valor but also sheds light on a pivotal era in Philippine-American military history that is often overlooked.
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